economy. republicans will say that this white house, this president, had been unable to do those spending cuts that have been talked about for so long and that they need this leverage to be able to force this issue. so we are where we have been, at this standoff as you look live in the east room there, with the president about ready to come out and address reporters. jon: all right. here now, president obama for the final news conference of his first term. >> please have a seat, everybody. good morning. i thought it might make sense to take some questions this week as my first term comes to an end. it's been a busy and productive four years and i expect the same for the next four years. i intend to carry out the agenda that i campaigned on, an agenda for new jobs, new opportunity, and new security for the middle class. now right now our economy is growing, and our businesses are creating new jobs. so we are poised for a good year, if we make smart decisions and sound investments, and as long a